Life in school and life in the real world are totally different. This is something I was told repeatedly when I was in school but never really understood until I left school.
This is an opportunity for me to advise those about to leave school and to the best of my ability paint a real picture of the world out there.
In school, you have people to depend on. Your parents, guardians and family support you, especially financially, because they know that at that stage of your life, you need the support. You likely do not have to worry about where your next money is coming from or where the next meal is coming from.
Also, in school, you're mainly focused on one thing, your studies. A lot of times, you don't have to make decisions that have serious consequences.
This is in contrast to what we have in the real world. In the real world, you're on your own, more or less. You have to cater for yourself. You have to figure out everything by yourself. You have to think about where the next meal or money is coming from.
You also have to make decisions and face the consequences of such decisions alone whether good or bad.
Leaving school means you face the realities of life. You're no longer shielded from them. You have to work harder, you have to be multiple things at once. You also have to be analytical of the decisions you make. Suddenly, you can no longer afford to make poor choices or unnecessary mistakes because you will suffer for it eventually and no one will be there to bear it with for you.
One reality of being out of school is that you get to feel the economy. You get to face the cost of living. Economy realities dawn on you. You have to cater for your basic needs like shelter, food, clothing and much more.
That kind of exposure can be overwhelming at first. But the good part is that it moulds you into a better person. Being independent and able to hustle for your needs imbibes some sense responsibility in you. Being able to make your own decisions is a beautiful thing. You get to be yourself. You also get to become someone who can handle the pressures of life.
In conclusion, life outside school could seem overwhelming at first, but the perseverance, determination and good decision making can help you navigate your way properly.
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